The iPhone can quickly switch between a FaceTime video or audio call and Apple's iMessage chat and back again. This makes it easy to choose the best format to continue a conversation at any given time. For example, when there's a need to be quiet, switching to an iMessage allows the conversation to carry on without interrupting anyone else's sound by talking during a FaceTime call.
Apple's FaceTime features have expanded greatly over the last few years, bridging the gap in face-to-face conversation that came along with the global pandemic. An email is a nice long-format way to share information. Messages provide instant reactions for an even more satisfying chat. However, nothing can really compete with the easy expression and nonverbal communication that is possible with FaceTime. So there's really a need for all three to handle every situation.
Apple makes it quick and easy for an iPhone to switch between iMessage and FaceTime to best suit the moment. It's even possible to use FaceTime with picture-in-picture while typing in Messages. From an iMessage, the user can tap the FaceTime button in the upper-right that looks like a video camera. A menu appears with an option for a video or an audio call. Tapping either sends a request to the other person in the chat that appears as a Join button at the top-right. Tapping Join opens FaceTime and connects the call. The iMessage isn't closed but is simply hidden by the FaceTime app.
Switch From FaceTime To Message
While on a FaceTime call, it's easy to switch to an iMessage. The user can tap the Messages button that looks like a speech bubble at the top of the iPhone's screen, the FaceTime call goes to PiP and the Messages app is opened. As with any iPhone PiP window, it can be dragged around to any corner. Tapping the video enlarges it to fill the iPhone's screen and returns FaceTime as the main app so its controls can be used. Either person can end the FaceTime call and continue chatting. It's a very convenient way to switch between apps to use whichever form of communication is best at a given moment. Ending the FaceTime doesn't affect the iMessage, allowing for an easy transition.
Apple doesn't restrict these features to the iPhone. An iPad and Mac have the same capabilities to move from FaceTime video or audio calls to iMessage chats and back again just as easily. On a Mac computer, Messages and FaceTime can run side by side or be maximized to fill the screen without the need for buttons to switch between the two. With an iPad, the extra screen space makes PiP more useful, and Apple used the buttons as on an iPhone but changed the layout a bit. The iPhone is still the most convenient for FaceTime since it's the most portable and has the best selfie camera.